Cosmetic multi-layered wiper

ABSTRACT

A multi-layered wiper for removing a product (e.g., a cosmetic product) from an applicator. The multi-layered wiper comprises a wiping body having a wiping face, an acute wiping tip, and vertical slits, formed of a first material, over-molded to a retention body, formed of another material harder than the first material. By virtue of having a multi-layered wiper comprising a wiping body, formed of a first material, over-molded to a retention body, formed of another material, harder than the first material, the multi-layered wiper is capable of providing exceptional installation characteristics, while simultaneously providing exceptional wiping characteristics.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 14/223,789, filed Mar. 24, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,289,048,which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/949,118filed on Nov. 18, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,721,210, entitled “CosmeticMulti-Layered Wiper,” the entire disclosures of which are which isincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Wipers exist for removing cosmetic or medicinal products fromapplicators. Existing wipers are typically formed of a single material,and are configured to be retained by a cosmetic dispenser (e.g., abottle), while also being configured to remove product from anapplicator. Existing mascara wipers, formed of a single material, aredesigned to be pliable enough to provided interference between the wiperand an applicator to remove mascara from the applicator while being hardenough to be easily installed in a bottle such that the wiper isretained in the bottle during use (e.g., installed in a bottle by a snapfit). For example, existing wipers are typically formed of a singlematerial having a hardness (i.e., durometer) that provides for snapfitting into a bottle, while at the same time being supple enough toremove mascara from a brush.

However, because existing wipers formed of a single material mustcompromise between providing an adequately supple wiping surface, whileat the same time, providing an adequately stiff retaining surface, theydo not perform either function well. Accordingly, there remains a needin the art for improved wipers that provide installationcharacteristics, while simultaneously providing wiping characteristics.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description is set forth with reference to the accompanyingfigures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference numberidentifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. Theuse of the same reference numbers in different figures indicates similaror identical items.

FIG. 1 depicts an illustrative multi-layered wiper for removing aproduct from an applicator.

FIG. 2 illustrates a section view of an applicator system having themulti-layered wiper of FIG. 1 assembled in the applicator system.

FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of a multi-layered wiper comprising avertical wiping surface having asymmetrical vertical slits.

FIG. 4 illustrates another embodiment of a multi-layered wipercomprising a wiping surface comprising a raised ridge, and asymmetricalvertical slits.

FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment of a multi-layered wipercomprising a cylindrical-shaped wiping portion and a raised ridge,without vertical slits.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example process for manufacturing a multi-layeredwiper for removing a product from an applicator.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example process for relieving hoop-stress in awiper.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Overview

This application describes multi-layered wipers formed of a firstmaterial, and another material, softer than the first harder material.Generally, the multi-layered wipers comprise a retention body formed ofthe first harder material, over-molded or insert molded to a wiping bodyformed of the other softer material. The retention body being formed ofthe first harder material is for fixing the multi-layered wiper to abottle of a dispenser, while the wiping body formed of the other softermaterial is for removing a portion of a product (e.g., a cosmeticproduct such as mascara, lip gloss, nail polish, or the like) from anapplicator (e.g., a brush, sponge, stick, pick, or the like).

In one embodiment, the wiping body comprises a wiping face that is avertical wiping surface. In another embodiment, the wiping bodycomprises a wiping face that has a raised ridge protruding towards acenter of the wiping body. The wiping bodies may comprise an acutewiping tip arranged around a circumference of an opening of the wipingbodies. Further, the wiping bodies may also comprise vertical slits thatare cut in the wiping faces. The vertical slits may be arrangeduniformly around a circumference of the wiping face. In one embodiment,the vertical slits may be cut in the wiping body, such that the verticalslits are symmetrical. For example, where the vertical slits comprise afirst edge cut in the wiping face, and another edge, equal in length tothe first edge, cut in an outer surface of the wiping body. In anotherembodiment, the vertical slits may be cut in the wiping body, such thatthe vertical slits are asymmetrical. For example, where the verticalslits comprises a first edge cut in the wiping face, and another edgeshorter than the first edge cut in the outer surface of the wiping body.By virtue of having multi-layered wipers, wipers according to thisdisclosure are configured to provide exceptional installationcharacteristics, while simultaneously providing exceptional wipingcharacteristics.

Illustrative Multi-Layered Wiper

FIG. 1 depicts an illustrative multi-layered wiper 102. Themulti-layered wiper 102 includes a cylindrical-shaped retention portion104 formed of a first material and a dome-shaped wiping portion 106formed of another material, different from the first material. WhileFIG. 1 depicts a substantially dome-shaped wiping portion 106 comprisingan arcuate bottom outside portion, other shapes are contemplated. Forexample, the wiping portion may be cylindrical-shaped, pyramid-shaped,cone-shaped, or the like, suitable for removing product from anapplicator. Here, in FIG. 1, the first material is harder than thesecond material, and may be configured to provide for assembling themulti-layered wiper 102 to a bottle via a press-fit, snap-fit, threads,or other retention mechanisms. The second softer material, forming thedome-shaped wiping portion 106, may be configured to remove a productfrom an applicator via a dimensional interference fit between thedome-shaped wiping portion and the applicator. The first material maycomprise, for example, polypropylene (PP), acrylonitrile butadienestyrene (ABS), or the like, suitable for being assembled to a bottle andbeing over-molded onto another material. The second material maycomprise, for example, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), rubber (i.e.,natural rubber, or synthetic rubber), polyethylene, silicone, or thelike, suitable for removing a product from an applicator (e.g., by beingover-molded onto the first material).

In the illustrated embodiment, the dome-shaped wiping portion 106comprises a top 108 over-molded onto a bottom 110 of thecylindrical-shaped retention portion 104. While FIG. 1 illustrates thetop 108 of dome-shaped wiping portion 106 being over-molded onto thebottom 110 of the cylindrical-shaped retention portion 104, otherattachment methods are contemplated. For example, the top 108 ofdome-shaped wiping portion 106 may be attached to the bottom 110 of thecylindrical-shaped retention portion 104 by way of adhesive, laser weld,sonic welded, or the like, suitable for fixing a first material toanother material softer than the first material.

FIG. 1 further illustrates a wiping face 112 arranged on an insideportion of a bottom 114 of the dome-shaped wiping portion 106 forremoving a product from a surface of an applicator. While FIG. 1illustrates a wiping face 112 that is a vertical wiping surface, otherwiping surfaces are contemplated. For example, a wiping surface maycomprise a beveled surface, a textured surface (e.g., dimples, bumps, orthe like), one or more ridges, or the like, suitable for removingproduct from an applicator.

In the illustrated embodiment, the wiping face 112 further comprisesvertical slits 116(1)-(N) arranged through the wiping face 112. Verticalslits 116(1)-(N) are configured for relieving a portion of hoop-stressin the bottom 114 portion of the dome-shaped wiping portion 106, whichprovides for at least partially removing product from an applicator asit passes through multi-layered wiper 102. Here, FIG. 1 illustrates eachof the vertical slits 116(1)-(N) comprising a first edge 118(A) cut inthe wiping face 112, and another edge 118(B) cut in an outer surface 120of the dome-shaped wiping portion 106 that are approximately equal inlength. Specifically, FIG. 1 illustrates the first inner edge 118(A),and the other outer edge 118(B) being at least about 1.5 millimeters inlength. FIG. 1 further illustrates the wiping face 112 comprising aheight 122 of approximately about 0.8 millimeters. While FIG. 1illustrates vertical slits 116(1)-(N) that cut the full length of thewiping face 112, the vertical slits 116(1)-(N) may alternatively belimited to a lower distal end of the wiping face 112. Further, FIG. 1illustrates, the vertical slits 116(1)-(N) are arranged uniformly arounda circumference 124 of the wiping face 112, which is concentric about acenter 126 of the multi-layered wiper 102. Here, an acute wiping tip 128is illustrated as being arranged around the circumference 124 of thewiping face 112 of the wiping portion 106 defining a terminationinterface between the wiping face 112 and the outer surface 120. Theacute wiping tip 128 is defined by an acute angle formed by anintersection of the vertical wiping surface 112 and the outer surface120.

In addition, FIG. 1 also illustrates the dome-shaped wiping portion 106and the cylindrical-shaped retention portion 104 being substantiallysymmetrical, which are substantially concentric about center 126. WhileFIG. 1 illustrates the dome-shaped wiping portion 106 as comprisingvertical slits 116(1)-(N) arranged on the bottom 114 portion of thedome-shaped wiping portion 106, in other embodiments the dome-shapedwiping portion 106 may omit the vertical slits 116(1)-(N) entirely.Further, dome-shaped wiping portion may comprise any number of verticalslits 116(1)-(N) arranged on the bottom 114 portion of the dome-shapedwiping portion 106. Further, while FIG. 1 illustrates vertical slits116(1)-(N) that are substantially symmetrical (i.e., first edge 118(A)is substantially equal in length to the other edge 118(B)), thedome-shaped wiping portion 106 may comprise asymmetrical vertical slits.For example, the dome-shaped wiping portion 106 may compriseasymmetrical vertical slits comprising a first edge cut in the wipingface 112, and another edge, shorter than the first edge, cut in theouter surface 120 of the dome-shaped wiping portion 106 (described infurther detail with respect to FIG. 3).

Further, while FIG. 1 illustrates a multi-layered wiper 102 comprising afirst material over-molded to another material, different from the firstmaterial, multi-layered wiper may further comprise an additionalmaterial, different from the other two materials. For example, amulti-layered wiper may comprise first, second, and third materialsfixed (e.g., over-molded) to each other, where the first material isharder than the second material, and the third material is softer thanthe second material, or any combination thereof.

FIG. 2 illustrates a section view of an applicator system 202 having themulti-layered wiper 102 of FIG. 1 assembled in the applicator system202. FIG. 2 further illustrates cylindrical-shaped retention portion 104of the multi-layered wiper 102 being retained in a bottle 204 of theapplicator system 202, via a press fit. FIG. 2 further illustrates thedome-shaped wiping portion 106 of the multi-layered wiper 102 squeezinga stem 206 of an applicator 208, via a dimensional interference 210 withthe stem 206, when the applicator 208 is received by the multi-layeredwiper 102. (Please note that, while wiper 102 is illustrated asoccupying a portion space of stem 206, in practice wiper 102 squeezesstem 206 and does not occupy the space of stem 206.) Further, when theapplicator 208 is drawn out of the bottle 204, and through themulti-layer wiper 102, the multi-layer wiper 102 removes product fromthe stem 206, as well as a brush 212 disposed at an end of the stem 206,via the dimensional interference 210. While FIG. 2 illustratesmulti-layered wiper 102 squeezing stem 206, multi-layer wiper 102 maynot squeeze stem 206. For example, multi-layered wiper 102 may beconfigured to provide a gap between the stem 206 and the multi-layeredwiper 102, while still being configured to squeeze the brush 212disposed at the end of the stem 206.

Further, as discussed above, with the cylindrical-shaped retentionportion 104 being formed of a first material having a hardness (i.e.,durometer) suitable for assembling the multi-layered wiper 102 into thebottle 204, cylindrical-shaped retention portion 104 provides forretaining the multi-layered wiper 102 in the bottle 204, via a pressfit. Additionally, while the cylindrical-shaped retention portion 104retains the multi-layered wiper 102 in the bottle 204, the dome-shapedwiping portion 106 formed of a second material having a hardness (i.e.,durometer) suitable for at least partially squeezing the applicator 208provides for wiping product from the stem 206 and/or the brush 212 ofapplicator 208.

FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of a multi-layered wiper 302 comprisingsome of the same features as the multi-layered wiper 102 illustrated inFIG. 1. For example, multi-layered wiper 302 is illustrated ascomprising a cylindrical-shaped retention portion 104 formed of a firstmaterial and a dome-shaped wiping portion 106 formed of anothermaterial, different from the first material. In FIG. 3 the top 108 ofthe dome-shaped wiping portion 106 is illustrated as being over-moldedonto the bottom 110 of the cylindrical-shaped retention portion 104. Inthis embodiment, multi-layered wiper 302 is illustrated as comprising awiping face 112 having a vertical wiping surface 304 having asymmetricalvertical slits 306(1)-(N). The asymmetrical vertical slits 306(1)-(N)provide for relieving a portion of the hoop-stress associated with thebottom 114 portion of multi-layered wiper 302, which provides for atleast partially removing product from an applicator as it passes throughthe multi-layered wiper 302. As illustrated in FIG. 3, each of theasymmetrical vertical slits 306(1)-(N) comprises a first edge 308(A),cut in the vertical wiping surface 304, and another edge 308(B), shorterthan the first edge 308(A) cut in the outer surface 120 of thedome-shaped wiping portion 106. For example, FIG. 3 illustrates thefirst inner edge 308(A) being at least about 1.5 millimeters in length,and the other outer edge 308(B) being at least about 75% shorter thanthe first edge 308(A). While FIG. 3 illustrates the other edge 308(B)being about 75% shorter than the first edge 308(A), other lengthdifferences are contemplated. For example, the other edge 308(B) may beabout 5%, 25%, 95%, or any other length shorter than the first edge308(A).

FIG. 3 further illustrates the vertical wiping surface 304 as comprisinga height 310 of about 0.8 millimeters. While the vertical wiping surface304 is illustrated as being about 0.8 millimeters high, other heightsare contemplated. For example, vertical wiping surface 304 may be 0.2,0.3, 0.5, 1.5, 2 millimeters high, or any other height, suitable forwiping product from an applicator.

FIG. 4 illustrates another embodiment of a multi-layered wiper 402comprising some of the same features as the multi-layered wiper 302illustrated in FIG. 3. For example, multi-layered wiper 402 isillustrated as comprising a cylindrical-shaped retention portion 104formed of a first material and a dome-shaped wiping portion 106 formedof another material, different from the first material. Again, here inFIG. 4 the top 108 of the dome-shaped wiping portion 106 is illustratedas being over-molded onto the bottom 110 of the cylindrical-shapedretention portion 104. Here, in this embodiment, multi-layered wiper 402is illustrated as comprising a wiping surface 404 having a raised ridge406 protruding towards the center 126 of the dome-shaped wiping portion106. While, FIG. 4 illustrates the raised ridge 406 protruding adistance 408 of approximately about 0.8 millimeters towards the center126 of the dome-shaped wiping portion 106, other distances arecontemplated. For example, a raised ridge may protrude approximatelyabout 0.4, 1, 1.5 millimeters, or the like, towards the center 126 ofthe dome-shaped wiping portion 106. FIG. 4 further illustratesasymmetrical vertical slits 410(1)-(N) arranged through the raised ridge406. As discussed above, each of the asymmetrical vertical slits410(1)-(N) comprise a first edge 412(A), cut in the wiping surface 404,and another edge 412(B), shorter than the first edge 412(A), cut in theouter surface 120 of the dome-shaped wiping portion 106. While FIG. 4illustrates asymmetrical vertical slits 410(1)-(N) arranged through atleast a portion of the raised ridge 406, other vertical slits arecontemplated. For example, the vertical slits arranged through theraised ridge 406 may be substantially symmetrical (i.e., first edge412(A) is substantially equal in length to the other edge 412(B)).

FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment of a multi-layered wiper 502. FIG.5 illustrates multi-layered wiper 502 as comprising a cylindrical-shapedretention portion 504 formed of a first material, and acylindrical-shaped wiping portion 506 formed of another material,different from the first material. Again, here in FIG. 5 a top 508 ofthe cylindrical-shaped wiping portion 506 is illustrated as beingover-molded onto a bottom 510 of the cylindrical-shaped retentionportion 504. In this embodiment, multi-layered wiper 502 is illustratedas comprising a wiping face 112 having a raised ridge 512 protrudingtowards a center 514 of the cylindrical-shaped wiping portion 506. WhileFIG. 5 illustrates a multi-layered wiper 502 without vertical slits,multi-layered wiper 502 may alternatively include vertical slits. Forexample, multi-layered wiper 502 may include symmetrical vertical slits(e.g., vertical slits 116(1)-(N)), or asymmetrical vertical slits (e.g.,asymmetrical vertical slits 306(1)-(N)), as discussed above. Further,while FIG. 5 illustrates the raised ridge 512 protruding a distance 516of approximately about 0.8 millimeters towards the center 514 of thecylindrical-shaped wiping portion 506, other distances are contemplated.For example, a raised ridge may protrude approximately about 0.4, 1, 1.5millimeters, or the like, towards the center 514 of thecylindrical-shaped wiping portion 506.

Example Process for Manufacturing a Multi-Layered Wiper

FIG. 6 illustrates an example process 600 for manufacturing amulti-layered wiper 102 based at least in part on materialcharacteristics of the particular multi-layered wiper 102. For instance,this process may be performed to manufacture a multi-layered wiper 102comprising a cylindrical-shaped retention portion 104 formed ofpolypropylene (PP), and a dome-shaped wiping portion 106 formed ofthermoplastic elastomer (TPE). In some instances, the process may beperformed at a manufacturing facility and prior to the assembly of theapplicator system 202. While FIG. 6 illustrates a process formanufacturing a multi-layered wiper 102 configured to provideexceptional installation characteristics, while simultaneously providingexceptional wiping characteristics, this process may apply to themanufacturing of any type of multi-layered wiper. Additionally, thisprocess may apply to manufacturing any type of multi-layered wiperformed of any other suitable materials capable of being injectionover-molded.

Process 600 includes an operation 602, which represents heating a firstmaterial (e.g., polypropylene (PP) or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene(ABS)) to a first molding temperature of about 240 degrees Celsius.Next, process 600 proceeds to operation 604, which represents heating asecond material (e.g., thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), rubber (i.e.,natural rubber, or synthetic rubber), polyethylene, silicone, or thelike) to a second molding temperature of about 220 degrees Celsius. Insome instances, both of the materials may be heated simultaneously torespective first and second molding temperatures. Process 600 continuesto operation 606, where subsequent to at least the heating of the firstmaterial, a first body (e.g., a cylindrical-shaped retention portion104) is formed of the first material via an injection molding process.Operation 606 is followed by operation 608 where the first body formedof the first material is cooled to about room temperature. Followingoperation 608, at operation 610, and subsequent to the cooling of thefirst body formed of the first material, a second body (e.g., adome-shaped wiping portion 106) is formed, and in this instance isformed of the second material. More specifically, the second body isformed, such that it comprises a wiping face (e.g., wiping face 112)arranged on an inside portion of a bottom (e.g., bottom 114) of thesecond body for removing a product from a surface of an applicator(e.g., applicator 208). Here, however, the injection molding processinvolves injection over-molding the second material at the secondmolding temperature onto the first body formed of the first material. Insome implementations, the second molding temperature may be about thesame as the first molding temperature, in which case the second materialfuses with the first material. After operation 610, process 600continues with operation 612, where the first body and the second bodyare cooled to about room temperature and subsequent to the cooling ofthe bodies (e.g., a multi-layered wiper 102), vertical slits (e.g.,vertical slits 116(1)-(N)) may be cut through at least a portion of thesecond body (i.e., wiping face). Here, at operation 612, the cutting ofthe vertical slits through at least the portion of the second maycomprise pressing the multi-layered wiper onto a die to cut the slits.After operation 612, process 600 continues with operation 614, where thebodies may be assembled as a unit into a bottle (e.g., a bottle 204) ofan applicator system (e.g., applicator system 202), where the first bodyprovides for retaining the bodies as a unit in the bottle and secondbody provides for removing product from an applicator.

Example Process for Relieving Hoop-Stress in a Multi-Layered Wiper

FIG. 7 illustrates an example process 700 for relieving hoop-stress in awiper, such as wiper 102. For instance, this process may be performed tocut slits in a wiping body (e.g., dome-shaped wiping portion 106). Insome instances, the process may be performed at a manufacturing facilityand just prior to the determining of a production ready wiper design.While FIG. 7 illustrates a process for relieving hoop-stress in a wiper(e.g., multi-layered wiper 102) configured to provide exceptionalinstallation characteristics, while simultaneously providing exceptionalwiping characteristics, this process may apply to the relieving ofhoop-stress in any type of wiper. Additionally, this process may applyto relieving hoop-stress in any type of wiper formed of any suitablematerials capable of being injection over-molded.

Process 700 includes an operation 702, which represents injectionmolding a wiper having a wiping body, the wiping body comprising anacute wiping tip (e.g., acute wiping tip 128) arranged around acircumference (e.g., circumference 124) of an opening of the wipingbody. Next, process 700 proceeds to operation 704. Operation 704represents removing a portion of a product from an end (e.g., brush 212)of an applicator (e.g., applicator 208) via passing the applicatorthrough the wiper. Process 700 continues to operation 706, wheresubsequent to passing the applicator through the wiper, a laboratorywiping test is performed to determine an amount of the product remainingon the end of the applicator. Operation 706 is followed by operation708, where a stiffness of the wiper is determined based at least in parton the performed laboratory wiping test. Following operation 708, atoperation 710, a depth of slits to cut in the wiper is determined basedat least in part on the determined stiffness and the amount of theproduct remaining on the end of the applicator. Process 700 may becompleted at operation 712, which represents cutting slits in the wipingbody having the determined depth. Here, the cutting of the slits in thewiping body may comprise pressing the wiper onto a die to cut the slits.

Further, operation 712, may represent cutting vertical slits through atleast a portion of a vertical wiping surface (e.g., vertical wipingsurface 304). Here, the acute wiping tip arranged around thecircumference of the opening of the wiping body defines a terminationinterface between the vertical wiping face arranged on a bottom insideportion of the wiping body and a bottom outside portion of the wipingbody.

Operation 712, may further represent cutting asymmetrical slits based atleast in part on the determined stiffness. Here, each of the verticalslits cut in the vertical wiping surface comprise asymmetrical slits andeach asymmetrical slit comprises a first edge (e.g., first edge 308(A))cut in the vertical wiping surface and another edge (e.g., another edge308(B)) shorter than the first edge cut in the bottom outside portion ofthe wiping body. The first edge length and the other edge length beingbased at least in part on the determined stiffness.

CONCLUSION

Although embodiments have been described in language specific tostructural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understoodthat the disclosure is not necessarily limited to the specific featuresor acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosedas illustrative forms of implementing the embodiments. For example, invarious embodiments, any of the structural features and/ormethodological acts described herein may be rearranged, modified, oromitted entirely. For example, the shape, size, and configuration of themulti-layered wiper may be varied.

What is claimed is:
 1. A wiper comprising: a retention body for fixingthe wiper to a bottle of a dispenser; and a wiping body for removing aportion of a product from an end of an applicator, the wiping bodycomprising a wiping face at a first end and a second end nearer theretention body; wherein the wiping face comprises a plurality of slitsat least partially therethrough and each slit of the plurality of slitscomprises an asymmetrical slit comprising a first edge cut in aninterior facing side of the wiping face and a second edge shorter thanthe first edge cut in an exterior facing side of the wiping face.
 2. Thewiper of claim 1 wherein: the wiping body has a generally dome-shapedportion terminating at the wiping face; and the interior facing side ofthe wiping face is generally cylindrical in a portion thereof, with theslits arranged in at least the cylindrical portion thereof.
 3. The wiperof claim 2 wherein the retention body is made of a first material, andthe wiping body is made of a second material, wherein the first materialis relatively harder than the second material.
 4. The wiper of claim 3wherein the wiping body is injection molded onto the retention body. 5.The wiper of claim 1 wherein: the interior facing side of the wipingface is generally cylindrical in a portion thereof, and further includesa raised ridge toward the first end of the wiping body protrudingtowards the center of the wiper, with the slits arranged through theraised ridge.
 6. The wiper of claim 5 wherein the retention body is madeof a first material, and the wiping body is made of a second material,wherein the first material is relatively harder than the secondmaterial.
 7. The wiper of claim 6 wherein the wiping body is injectionmolded onto the retention body.
 8. The wiper of claim 1 wherein theretention body is made of a first material, and the wiping body is madeof a second material, wherein the first material is relatively harderthan the second material.
 9. The wiper of claim 8 wherein the wipingbody is injection molded onto the retention body.
 10. The wiper of claim1 wherein the wiping face comprises a generally circular, continuoussurface at rest, defining an opening, with the slits allowingflexibility when a cosmetic applicator passes or extends through theopening.
 11. A mascara brush and bottle comprising: a reservoir formascara; a mascara brush; and a wiper as in claim
 1. 12. A combinationcosmetic applicator and bottle comprising: a bottle for containing aproduct; an applicator for use with the bottle to apply the product; anda wiper as in claim
 1. 13. The combination of claim 12 wherein theapplicator is a brush.
 14. The combination of claim 12 wherein theapplicator is a sponge.
 15. The combination of claim 12 wherein theapplicator is a stick.
 16. The combination of claim 12 wherein theapplicator is a pick.
 17. The combination of claim 12, furthercomprising a cosmetic product in the bottle, the cosmetic product beinga mascara.
 18. The combination of claim 12, further comprising acosmetic product in the bottle, the cosmetic product being a lip gloss.19. The combination of claim 12, further comprising a cosmetic productin the bottle, the cosmetic product being a nail polish.